Fell Jormundgardur shook himself; for miles and miles around
Men, fields,and dwellings were submerged in ocean’s waves profound.
Each Nidding starting from his couch by stings of conscience vex’d
Arose; a cold sweat on his brow announced a soul perplex’d:
Fenris loud howling through the sky the vast creation scared;
Lok’s laughter and the wolfish howl the long long night were heard.
“Giants and gods alike I hate,” said Lok: “soon shall they prove,
How terrible that power can be, which but itself doth love.
Would I could make them perish all together! ha! what bliss,
Could I the vast Heimkringlas sink i’ th’ bottomless abyss!